Character Calling: ImitatorsSample

RHYTHMS AND REST. Our busyness is one of the most distinctive parts of American culture. We can ask someone, “How are you,” and often the answer is “I’m busy,” as if that’s a good or healthy thing.

We load up our schedule with things like shopping, sports, friends, and screens, building our lives so that we are never bored. And while these are all good things to have in our lives, if our busyness never stops or pauses, our minds can become anxious and overwhelmed, making us tired or even worn out and ill. Even worse, we might allow our time with God to dwindle or go by the wayside completely.

Jesus knew we’d struggle with balancing our busyness, which is why in Mark 2:27 he reminded us that the Sabbath was made for us. “What’s the sabbath?” you might ask.

It’s a day of rest that God modeled for us in the beginning of creation - that every six days we’d pause our work to just be. We’re human “beings,” not human “doings,” and to help us build healthy character and relationships, God gave us a rhythm of rest to imitate. But it's not just about pausing our work, it's much more. God said to “observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Keep it holy. What does that mean?

Simply put, it means stopping all of our work and engaging in activities that help us rest and delight in God. It is an opportunity to put all things aside and put him first - in worshiping God together, we take time for conversations with God and each other, Bible study, celebration, and remembrance.

Sabbath can also be a time of peace and contentment as we stop to consider our blessings and give thanks to God for the goodness in our lives. It is a way for us to demonstrate our love for him, by trusting in his Word and imitating his ways.

Let the pattern of Sabbath influence your character, just as God modeled and Jesus lived out for us. Allow the rhythm of rest to break the bondage of busyness and display your faith, love, and loyalty to God first.

Consider: Are you currently setting aside time in your schedule for Sabbath rest? If so, what do you notice in your own life and thoughts? If you’re not setting aside this time, how could you begin to practice a consistent rhythm of rest?